12 elements of APS

12 elements of APS explained

For each element the guidance sets out the following:
  • Element: the 12 key quality areas that make up the standard
  • Requirements: the detailed requirements of each element specification
  • Guidance: Supporting guidance to help you understand the requirements
  • Suggested evidence: Offered as a guide to the key sources of evidence which assessors will expect to find to demonstrate achievement of the requirements. This list is not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive and recognises that different organisations may provide different types of evidence.

Read the guidance on the 12 elements of APS

Using the diagnostic tool with the 12 elements of APS

It is recommended that you read the standard alongside the APS diagnostic tool as a self review tool. This will give you a feel for what is involved and help you to work out how your project currently measures up in relation to the 12 elements of APS.

It will also indicate what you will need to have in place for each of the elements before you submit your application for an assessment visit. You will also get a clear understanding of what the assessors will be looking for when assessing the project.

When you send in the completed APS diagnostic tool, please make sure that you send in a covering letter with the following information:
  • Organisation name
  • Project name
  • Main project contact person and their phone number

12 elements of APS

Element 1

The mentoring or befriending project (or service) has a clear rationale and purpose

Element 2

There is an effective organisational and management structure in place to support the project

Element 3

The competence of staff involved in the project is developed and maintained

Element 4

There is a clear process for the identification and referral of service users which takes into account their needs and suitability for the service

Element 5

Service users are fully briefed and/or prepared for their involvement in the project

Element 6

There is a rigorous and robust recruitment and selection process in place for potential mentors and befrienders

Element 7

There are appropriate arrangements in place to safeguard the involvement of participants in the project

Element 8

Mentors and befrienders receive adequate preparation and training so that they can offer effective support to service users

Element 9

There is a clear and consistent process in place for matching service users with mentors/befrienders

Element 10

There is on-going supervision and support provided for mentors/befrienders to help them develop in their role

Element 11

The progress of relationships is regularly and routinely monitored to determine whether they are functioning successfully

Element 12

The overall effectiveness of the mentoring or befriending project is evaluated to improve its service and outcomes



Read the guidance on the 12 elements of APS